In a Quandry: I am at a crossroads regarding getting a new camera. I currently own a Lumix FZ200 and a Sony A6000. Both take very good photos. However, my Nikon S8200 compact travel...

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I am at a crossroads regarding getting a new camera. I currently own a Lumix FZ200 and a Sony A6000. Both take very good photos. However, my Nikon S8200 compact travel camera is beginning to see its end of service and has a sizeable scratch on the surface of the lens. I would appreciate any wisdom here to assist me in making my decision.

Should I keep the A6000, sell the FZ200 and pick up a decent compact such as the Lumix ZS50 or the Sony HX90V, or keep the FZ200, sell the A6000 and lenses and get one of the compacts?

The FZ200 is light, but, much like a DSLR, is a bit bulky. The A6000 is small, but not exactly compact, either. I hate to get rid of either camera, but I need a travel compact camera that is quick to take a shot on auto mode, but also allows full manual or semi-auto modes. What would you all do here?

Leitz Loc: Solms

Far North wrote:

I am at a crossroads regarding getting a new camer... (show quote)

If I were in such a quandary, I'd think out what I want to do with a camera, and make my own decision.

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

How about a Sony RX100 III? That's what I'm saving up for, to use in addition to my Canon 70D and Canon SX50. From what I've read about, the Sony seems like a great little camera, and I can't wait to get my hands on one!

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Perhaps I should be a bit clearer with my question and ask, will I be sacrificing anything? What would I be giving up by getting rid of either of my present two cameras?

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

wtompkins wrote:

How about a Sony RX100 III? That's what I'm saving up for, to use in addition to my Canon 70D and Canon SX50. From what I've read about, the Sony seems like a great little camera, and I can't wait to get my hands on one!

It's a great camera, to be sure, but quite a ways beyond what my budget will allow. I could live with the rather limited zoom range of the lens, as I have the FZ200 that zooms out to 600mm, but for me that RX100 III is too expensive. Unfortunately.

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

Far North wrote:

It's a great camera, to be sure, but quite a ways beyond what my budget will allow. I could live with the rather limited zoom range of the lens, as I have the FZ200 that zooms out to 600mm, but for me that RX100 III is too expensive. Unfortunately.

I hear ya. That's why I've been saving up for over 4 months. $600 may not seem like much to some, but to me it's a small fortune :)

I'll be following this thread to see what you end up with.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

The Panasonic FZ200 is a bridge (super zoom) camera. The Sony A6000 is an advanced compact. Two very different horses. You need to decide which one you want to ride. There are numerous other small camera choices, but you are capable of researching them with guidance from B+H, Adorama, Cameta and KEH. I currently own three of them.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

rjaywallace wrote:

The Panasonic FZ200 is a bridge (super zoom) camera. The Sony A6000 is an advanced compact. Two very different horses. You need to decide which one you want to ride. There are numerous other small camera choices, but you are capable of researching them with guidance from B+H, Adorama, Cameta and KEH. I currently own three of them.

While it would be hard to give up the IQ of the A6000, I think I could live without it and get at least reasonably good images with a compact camera. I like the manual focus ability of the A6000, but both of the compacts I'm looking at have that capability, as well. With all that is available on the market these days, it becomes a bit mind boggling.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

I'd say keep the A6000 for serious shooting and get a good compact for everything else.

HeyYou Loc: SE Michigan

Nice bike !

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Far North wrote:

I am at a crossroads regarding getting a new camer... (show quote)

I'm in a similar quandary: I needed to lighten my kit, which was a full-frame Canon rig with lots of L glass. I sold it all and have only the compact G1X Mk2 remaining. I'm at the point of not making any enlargements that exceed 11x14, with 95% not exceeding 8x10, and I hate messing around with a large kit anymore. I'm also leaning towards a ZS50 (great camera, btw), because it's pocketable and I like the reach Also, it has an EVF, which the G1X Mk2 does not, but the Canon is excellent in low light. So in your case, decide if you want to continue shooting with the A6000 and your lenses. If it becomes too tedious or inconvenient to schlep that kit, sell it. If not, then sell the FZ200 and get the ZS50! I bet if you do that, you'll use the ZS50 90+% of the time, and eventually sell the A6000 kit too. :D

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Far North wrote:

I am at a crossroads regarding getting a new camera.

Decide which of your two camera you prefer using and then read comparisons. They may point out things you hadn't realized. If one is older or has gotten more use, that could be a negative. Take a look on ebay and see what each has sold for. Go to the bottom of the left column and click on Sold. Also, check "Auction" near the top.

http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Here's an article from National Geographic about ten travel cameras.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10-compact-travel-cameras/?sf12091195=1#/fujifilm-xt-1_83529_600x450.jpg

Bobsan Loc: Elgin,I'll.

Also look at the Fuji X100T.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

wtompkins wrote:

How about a Sony RX100 III? That's what I'm saving up for, to use in addition to my Canon 70D and Canon SX50. From what I've read about, the Sony seems like a great little camera, and I can't wait to get my hands on one!

I have one and it's a great little camera. Look into it. You give up nothing but sensor size, but it's still a great camera. Keep the a6000.

Golan Loc: Imsbach, Germany

Far North wrote:

I am at a crossroads regarding getting a new camer... (show quote)

Take a look at the Canon SX710HS. It may meet your needs nicely.